Call for sub-classification: Data shows uneven development within SCs and STs

A common critique of the group-based approach to affirmative action policies is that it treats the potential beneficiary group as a homogenous class. This is even though India’s population census collects and duly publishes data on socio-economic indicators for individual sub-groups within SCs and STs. Here, we highlight socio-economic differentials within SCs/STs based on data from the 2011 population census. Table 2 shows the socio-economic differentials of STs by State, as per the 2011 Census Socio-economic differentials among STs are as pronounced as among SCs. It suggests that different sub-groups within SCs and STs are at disparate levels of socio-economic development.